Search Results for: Ghana

Today, March 8th is International Women’s Day.

International Women’s Day is a day that we celebrate the social, economic, and political achievement of women, but also a time where we come together and shed light on places around the world where urgent change is needed.

Ghana holds a very special place in my heart. Four of my children were born and raised in Ghana before they became part of our family and my husband and I have traveled to this West African country almost ten times between the two of us. Today I’m going to share how you can make an impact by supporting maternal and child health in rural Ghana. You can support midwives and in turn, they can save mothers from preventable deaths and prevent children from growing up without mothers.

This topic may be foreign to you. You might not have any connections to Ghana and it’s hard to put yourself in the shoes of mothers who live so far away, but one of my desires through this website is to encourage women to make changes locally and globally, no matter what stage of life they are in.

It is hard to fathom living in a country where there is one physician per 10,000 people and most of those doctors are in the major cities. That means mothers in villages don’t have adequate access to a safe childbirth and maternal mortality is the highest cause of female deaths in Ghana. Most of these are deaths are preventable. This is where our support of Ghanaian midwives come in. There are 10.5 nurses and midwives per 10,000 people and so skilled midwives play a crucial role in providing a lifeline to millions of pregnant women in rural areas.

How You Can Help

This campaign aims to help Ghanaian midwives serving in these under-served regions, and through them, to help rural Ghanaian women and children. Your donation will enable GRMA to provide peer support visits to rural midwives, which will improve the quality of care these midwives provide to every mother and child that comes through their doors. Together, we can support independent midwives in Ghana to make pregnancy, childbirth, and early childhood safe for the women and families of these communities.

The goal is to raise $3,500 in 58 days. This is an attainable goal! I understand that you might not be in a position to give, but I will tell you the best giving is when you stretch yourself. Sharing on social media is just as important! Give here!

By giving, you are training midwives and helping reduce maternal and infant mortality rates. You are making a difference!

My younger sister left for Ghana today where she will be helping at the orphanage we have come to love. Not only will she be a house mother to 40+ kids, she will be able to spend time with our future brother. We heard from a previous volunteer that “P” has been praying for a family for a long time and doesn’t think God will grant his request. The older boys often see families come for the younger children, so I can only imagine how that makes them feel when no one comes for them. He doesn’t know about his adoption just yet, but Meagan is bringing his family book and will be able to tell him sometime while she’s there. We all have been eager to share this with him to ease his mind and prove YES God has been listening!

Both my Mother and I are living vicariously through Meagan (especially since my Mom hasn’t gotten to meet “P” yet) so we have threatened her that she must update us all the time! I’m sure I will share some of her experiences on the blog.

After 18+ hours of flying time she will arrive in Ghana tomorrow afternoon. A wonderful missionary family The Beebes will be picking her up. I can imagine her now walking into the gates of GMI and the little kids running up to her “Mommy, Mommy!” like they did to us when we visited. She will absolutely love it there and we might have some trouble making her come home!

Still the waiting game on our adoption front. Every day I’m thinking there could be an I600 approval email in my inbox but it never comes. Hopefully it will come next week! Send some prayers our way!

When we chose to adopt internationally, both my husband and I agreed that we don’t just want to adopt a child in need of a home and leave the country for good. There is a reason third-world countries have many orphans and most of those are what we would think basic necessities of life here in America. We want to contribute (no matter how small it may be in the grand scheme of things) to the country in a positive way both now and by raising Ghanaian-American children who grow up proud of their country with the desire to do great things in the future for Ghana.

Our first trip was to meet our children and get to know them, but this second trip I traveled with my dad and I had a few things planned. Because of some new relationships that happened by chance, but were totally God-orchestrated, we visited an orphanage that was literally life-changing, especially for my Dad (more news in a few months about that!) The Pastor there does many different types of outreach and we eventually became involved in some of the funding of a school in a remote village in the Eastern part of Ghana, where the pastor is from. This trip we visited and began to do the initial work of building the school.

I have been told that this is a typical Ghanaian village. It is what you would imagine: grass huts, no running water, no school and no bathrooms. What you couldn’t imagine until you visited yourself, is how sweet the children and people of the village are. I gave most of my donations this trip to the orphanage in a different city my kids are from as well as the other orphanage I posted about, but the kids were happy with “toffee” (dum-dums) and toothbrushes (Donated by The University of Iowa Dental College)

From what I could gather, this man was a village elder who was on the chief’s council. He told me these were all of his children and he quickly formed them into a neat pose instead of their silly faces. Everyone was enamored with the camera and giggled when they were shown the image on the camera screen.

This is a farming village, so everyone is expected to help both to produce food to survive and to sell what’s leftover for profit. One day when we were there the village seemed deserted. With sun-up, the kids travel with their Mothers on “market day” to sell the goods they produced on their land. This means walking 10-12 miles one way to the nearest big town on a dusty dirt road. The Mother’s, and children of all ages will carry their produce on their heads often with a young child strapped to their backs. They travel the 12 miles back at night and start the process over for the week to do what they need to do to survive.

The meals on my first visit consisted of mostly fried rice from various restaurants- nothing too out of the ordinary. This trip we were able to experience the culture, food and people. My Ghanaian kids absolutely loved this food. See those tiny little brown things on the left side of the bowl? Those are tiny, tiny dried fish. I was brave enough to try a handful of those, but I did not try those bigger fish. My kids gnawed on those bone and all.

Many of the traditional dishes are a process to make. This older lady is making banku, a dough made out of cassava or maize, over an open flame and let me tell you it is tough!

The main crops this village produces are maize and cassava. To make food, the maize needs to be ground. They currently walk several miles one way to a corn-grinding machine just to be able to make their food. This machine costs about $1,500 US dollars and we hope to one day fund this so they will have an easier life and be able to produce a bit more income.

The banku stirring process involved a lot of muscle which I clearly do not have. The older woman thought this was hilarious!

This village is lucky enough to have a water well and this is where they get all of their water- to drink, to clean and to cook with. Many villages don’t have water wells so they get their water from dirty, parasite-filled stagnant water. That is much too common in African countries.

In a typical Ghanaian village, the people are hard-working, grateful and more than sweet. It’s easy to know about problems of third-world countries or hear things on the news, but it’s another thing to see them with your own eyes. So many of us here in America consider ourselves “poor” or feel sorry for ourselves for not having a big house, nice car or the latest gadget.

There are many wonderful organizations and non-profits working here in the United States to help fellow Americans in need and there’s no doubt we need to continue to help and support those organizations along with our own neighbors and our community, but we also need to think about our brothers and sisters many miles away.

You guys, I’m so excited about the GlobeIn Artisan box. First, I love subscription boxes, so much that I searched high and low and found 12 social good subscription boxes! It’s so fun getting surprises in the mail. Second, I love fair trade and artisan-made products. The products in the GlobeIn Artisan box are highly curated with products that are both beautiful and useful.

I received the Cozy Box, partly because that awesome mug was calling my name. I now have my morning coffee in this mug daily. Le Souk Ceramique provide their artisans with healthcare, social security, fair wages, and safe working conditions. The group is even evolving to function as an artisan cooperative, completely owned and controlled by the artisans themselves.

The Marquet Fair Trade Scarf is handmade in Thailand from 100% locally grown cotton. Marquet’s goal is to empower artisans and entrepreneurs in developing countries by expanding their potential to reach a larger audience.

Divine Chocolate Cocoa Powder is made in Ghana by a group of 85,000 farmers who share in the profits, have a say in the company, and a voice in the global marketplace.

GlobeIn Palm Leaf basket is made in Mexico and comes with all artisan boxes! This is the perfect basket to use as gift baskets this year for Christmas.

The Artisan Box. Beautiful, distinct products from around the world that support remote artisans and farmers, delivered to you each month. You can choose a month-to-month subscription, 3 months or 6 months. Subscription boxes are the Christmas gift that keeps on giving long after Christmas both for the recipient and the fair trade artisans!

Use the code BLACKFRIDAY to save $15 off an Artisan Box subscription of 3-month+ (new customers only). This expires 11/30.
For Giving Tuesday, use the code GIVINGTUESDAY and get a Free November Benefit Basket with a purchase of 3-month+ longer Artisan Box subscription (new customers only). This code will be active from 11/30- 12/2.

It is important to purchase with a purpose and know where your products come from because the products you buy may very well have been made in sweatshops, by people who are enslaved or even made by child labor. I am always looking to support social good companies that have fair trade products, participate in the “Buy One Give One” movement or donate a portion of their proceeds to worthwhile causes. I could never find a great list of all of these companies in one place so I decided to make one. Here are 150+ social good companies. Support them and share them and spread the word to buy with a purpose!

If you know of any other social good companies, please leave them in the comments below. I will update this list as I research and find more! This list contains some affiliate links and I receive compensation for any purchases.

Master List of Social Good Companies

Article 22 – Ethical jewelry made from bombs by artisans in Laos, one of the most heavily bombed countries in the world. With each Peacebomb sold, ARTICLE 22 and the artisans of Ban Naphia support their families, community, and country, helping make land safe.1 bracelet helps clear bombs from 3m2 of farmland.

Anne B Designs – Clutches, cosmetic bags and other accessories handmade in the USA by refugees.

Accompany – A global curation of the world’s finest fair trade products. Everything from apparel to kids items is handpicked by fashion insiders for change.

Amazig Leathers – Leather goods handmade by artisans in North Africa. 10% of profits go in to a community development fund that is available to support educational and economic development initiatives in the Imazighen communities and artisans have access to business loans in order to further develop their businesses.

Alter Eco – Socially just and environmentally responsible truffles, chocolate, quinoa and sugar from small-scale farmers. Alter Eco products are Fair Trade certified and they work on development programs in the areas their farmers work. Buy On Amazon

Alaffia – A certified fair trade, handmade shea butter and skincare line. Alaffia was created to help West African communities become sustainable through the fair trade of indigenous resources. One key to sustainability is empowerment of individuals within the communities. Buy On Amazon

Aloha for People – Our mission is to provide clean water and jobs to people in need around the world and in our home of California. With every product sold, we provide a person in need with access to clean water for 2 years minimum.

BeeLove – Our natural, high quality products are produced by men and women returning from incarceration. At Sweet Beginnings, these talented men and women develop a stable work history, learn marketable skills and gain the confidence they need to re-enter the workforce.

Beza Threads – Scarves handmade by former slaves in Ethiopia. 100% of the funds go back to help remove children from slavery and to then educate and empower them.

BE GOOD – An organic clothing company aiming to be the first zero-waste retailer. They produce only about 10% of the chemical and water waste of a conventional manufacturer. For every purchase, BeGood will make 12 gallons of water safe to drink, in rural areas where drinking contaminated water is norm.

Badala – A collection of jewelry, accessories and home items made by single mothers in the Kenya and Rwanda. Their microeconomic program seeks to empower single mothers in impoverished communities by training and hiring them to make fair trade items.

Bottle Bright – Unique all natural cleaners for drinking containers with an environmentally friendly focus and a socially conscious mission. With every purchase, they give the same amount to people in need of clean water containers. Buy on Amazon

Baby Teresa – A line of 100% organic cotton baby clothing and accessories that donates a baby outfit to a child in need for every baby outfit purchased.

Bright Endeavors– Bright Endeavors is an innovative social enterprise that transforms the lives of young moms by teaching them to craft premium soy candles in a supportive, professional environment.

Bull + Moose – Mens ties with proceeds from every purchase go back to Got Your 6, an organization focused on supporting veterans as they re-enter into civilian life. B+M also uses profits to help fund micro loans via Kiva.org

(c)3– Napa Valley Wine. We believe charities are invaluable & that their role should be enhanced. They create opportunity, give hope, & transform lives, ending the cycle of poverty through education, employment, & empowerment.

Causegear– Every purchase supports a day of freedom for your crafter from human trafficking + slavery + poverty through a self-sustaining job.

Comunity Shoes– We make premium shoes, handcrafted locally that give back locally, to fuel our mission. For every pair of shoes we sell, we give $10 back to a local community effort to support the Arts, Education and Ending Homelessness as directed by YOU at the point of purchase

Conscious Step– Conscious Step was created to bring more awareness to the problems faced by the world today and the organizations fighting these problems.

Cotopaxi – Innovative outdoor products and experiences that fund sustainable poverty alleviation, move people to do good, and inspire adventure.

Charity:water – 100% of the profits from the goods directly fund clean water projects.

CureYour World – We believe that everyone deserves to eat healthy everyday. Therefore it is our responsibility to ensure that people in poverty stricken areas are provided with organic, sustainable options. This is made possible by giving a percentage of our profits to charitable projects that do just that!

Dot Products – Office and school supplies that provide a half day of education for a child in Mexico, DRC and Tanzania for every product purchased.

DivvyUp – Every time they sell a pair of our awesome socks, they will donate a brand new pair of plain white or black socks to the local homeless shelter.

Denik – Notebooks, journals and sketchbooks designed by global artists with a portion of each book being used to build schools.

Della – Computer cases and purses made in Ghana, West Africa by artisans who receive jobs, education and skills training.

Deux Mains– Whether online, or in person every purchase at deux mains makes a real difference. For every product sold we are able to grow and expand our outreach efforts and employment opportunities.

Dignata– Dignata empowers victims of human trafficking and exploitation into freedom by giving them a dignified means of financial sustainability. We offer them employment in Dignata Jewelry creating the avenue to leave exploitation.

Divine Chocolate – Divine Chocolate is co-owned by the 85,000 farmer members of Kuapa Kokoo, the cooperative in Ghana that supplies the cocoa for each bar of Divine. As owners, they get a share in the profits, a say in the company, and a voice in the global marketplace. Buy on Amazon!

Divona– Crafted to be delightful and purposeful: $2 of each perfume purchase provides care packages for women surviving abuse and trafficking.

Edge of Ember Ltd: A collection of Jewelry with a positive production story. Edge of Ember Ltd. collaborates with a network of skilled artisans from India, Nepal, Indonesia and Thailand. No child labour – ever. Safe and healthy working conditions. Fair and advanced payments that exceed the local living wage. Sustainable raw materials wherever possible.

Ed Pack Global– At Ed Pack, we sell high quality and fashionable products that give back to others. A portion of each product that is sold goes directly towards programs that educate those in poverty across the world.

Elegantees– Sex trafficking is a form of slavery where people are coerced into prostitution. The overall root of this evil in countries like Nepal are poverty, lack of opportunity, and a desperation for acceptance. The motivation behind Elegantees is our desire to see an end to it.

Elephant Landing – Handmade pillows, throws and scarfs made by women in India who are able to work from their homes and earn a fair wage. 100% of the profits are used to continue providing employment and expanding education programs for women in new villages throughout India.

Everything Happy – Children’s clothing, blankies, bibs and more. For every Happy product purchased, another one is given to a child in need.

Fair Anita– a social enterprise that strives to build a more inclusive economy for women by providing economic opportunity and dignified jobs through beautiful fair trade jewelry and accessories.

Fair Spirits – A spirits brand dedicated to high quality products that are sourced ethically and sustainably. FAIR is the world’s first and unique Fair Trade Certified spirits brand.

Faithbox: A Christian subscription box that includes a daily devotional, enriching content, and amazing products from companies that do good.

FEED Projects – Bags, accessories and apparel made from natural products and artisan-made materials, along with fair-labor production. Each purchased product has a set donation through the World Food Programme and Feeding America.

Fortuned Culture – A jewelry line designed to shed light on the realities of a dire phenomenon, condition or cause. Proceeds from the purchase help charity partners who are focused on creating long-lasting advancements for people in need.

fashionABLE – Scarves and other accessories made by women in Ethiopia. FashionABLE works with women to help them start small business cooperatives, and partners with and require manufacturers to also employ women with fair wages & fair hiring practices.

Feeding the Orphans – Bags and accessories made by single mothers in Ghana, West Africa. All purchases help empower single mothers and provide food and clean water and medication to children in need.

Globein – We empower remarkable artisans in remote areas with the tools to build sustainable businesses. Providing connection and guidance, we help our partners feel stronger, more confident and in control of their lives through the expansion of their craft. $10 OFF GlobeIn Artisan Box (WELCOME)

Glorify Apparel – Religious Apparel that donates 25% of each purchase to the charity of your choice.

Good Spread – When you buy a packet of this all natural peanut butter, a malnourished child will receive a packet of therapeutic food. Buy on Amazon

Give Perf – Blankets hand-woven by artisans in Mexico. 15% of sales are donated to a featured organization until the giving goal has been met. They seek to partner with the organizations who believe in the power of giving.

gravy + grace– Each time you purchase something from our store, we make a donation to help someone get meals they would not otherwise have.

Ground Up – Ground Up is a not-just-for-profit business that makes healthy + delicious nut butters, using them as a means to provide employment opportunity to women overcoming adversity. Through part-time employment, we provide mentorship and job skills training in everything from sales and marketing to working in a commercial kitchen space.

Hand in Hand Soaps– social mission to provide soap and clean water to children in the developing world through our buy a bar, give a bar & clean water programs.

Hands Producing Hope – Unique handcrafted jewelry created by marginalized women in Costa Rica. Through the program, the artisans are provided with training, a consistent income, life skills classes and spiritual guidance.

Haiti Baby – Baby hats and blankets made by moms in Haiti empowering them to earn living wages to care for their families and keep their children out of orphanages.

Hydros Bottle – A filtering water bottle that is BPA free and made in America. Part of the proceeds from each purchase helps fund sustainable water infrastructure products with Engineers Without Borders. Buy on Amazon

Half United – Jewelry made from bullet casings. Half United donates half of it’s profits from ever product sold to fighting the global hunger epidemic in the USA, Fiji, Cambodia and Madagascar.

Indego Africa – Handmade baskets, accessories and jewelry made by women in Rwanda. 100% of profits from sales, donations and grants goes to fund job skills training programs for the artisan partners in business management, technology, entrepreneurship, and English & Kinyarwanda literacy.

Invisible Children – All donations and purchases fund Invisible Children’s mission of civilian protection and rehabilitation of children abducted by the LRA. Our protection and recovery programs focus on the futures of war-affected youth while our worldwide advocacy aims to establish long-term peace and prosperity.

JC Denim Co. – Handcrafted jeans made by young women who have been rescued out of sexual exploitation in Cambodia.

Jacobs Scarves – Quality scarves that are responsibly sourced, supporting small communities and businesses whenever possible. For every scarf ordered, 50% of the profits go towards a child’s education.

JOYN – Handbags, clutches and accessories made by artisans in India. JOYN has partnered with a nonprofit called JoyCorps to provide employees with not only steady jobs and a good work environment, but a daily meal plan, education for their children, English and vocational training, and medical care.

Jonas Umbrellas – Every umbrella you purchase helps fund a clean-water well at a school in Uganda.

Junita’s Jar– A portion of Junita’s Jar profits is donated to support education and awareness initiatives dedicated to ending relationship violence. So, when you buy these deliciously wholesome cookies, you become a part of our mission to help women live their best lives.

Kurandza – Jewelry handmade by artisans in Mozambique who receive fair wages and other opportunities.

Kate Spade – Artisans in Rwanda have created handmade pieces for Kate Spade’s on purpose line for Kate Spade New York, Kate Spade Saturday and Jack Spade.

Krochet Kids intl. – Hats, apparel and accessories made by over 150 people in Uganda and Peru who are working, receiving education, and being mentored toward a brighter future in creating gifts that give back.

KidKnits – Craft kits to make your own wool hat with yarn from Rwanda or Chile.

Kind Karma Co– We spread kindness through our commitment to ethical fashion that gives back, creates opportunity and positivity. By employing at-risk and homeless youth to make beautiful, custom handcrafted jewelry, all Kind Karma pieces have a positive social impact on our community in the Toronto area.

KoZ – Snapback hats. A portion of every sale is donated to the foundation of the cause you choose.

Lydali – An online collection of ethical handmade items from craftsmen around the world.

Lamon Luther – Reclaimed wood handcrafted furniture created by homeless carpenters in the US who are transitioning out of recovery programs.

Land of A Thousand Hills Coffee Co. – Quality, fair trade coffee made in Rwanda. Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee Co. partners with farmers and local community leaders to develop the coffee into a sustainable income, pay a just Living Wage, and strive to further meet the needs of the people.

Lubanzi Wines– We’ve pledged 50% of our profits to back the Pebbles Project, an NGO that works with the low-income families who live and work on South Africa’s wine farms. They focus on growing families by providing resources and improving access to health & high-quality education, allowing families to realize a horizon for success in life that extends far beyond their current view.

LUSH – Handmade cosmetics and bath and body products. Since starting their program Charity Pot in 2007, they’ve donated more than $5,800,000 to over 600 grassroots charities in 35 countries. All products are made with fresh, ethically sourced and made ingredients.

Lifestraw – Portable filters and water bottles. For each LifeStraw product you purchase, one school child in a developing country is provided with safe drinking water for an entire school year. Buy on Amazon

Le Souk Ceramique – Hand painted ceramic made in Tunisia by a group of 50 artisans who receive healthcare, social security, fair wages, and safe working conditions. The group is evolving to function as an artisan cooperative, completely owned and controlled by the skilled artisans themselves. Buy on Amazon

Little Sun – A high-quality, solar-powered LED lamp. Little Sun doesn’t just donate lights, they train young entrepreneurs to start their own Little Sun businesses in developing communities to create jobs and generate local profits. Buy on Amazon

Mujus – Jewelry made with high quality, organic and sustainable raw materials by artisans in Peru who receive health benefits, fair-trade wages and flexible family-friendly schedules.

Musana Jewelry – Handcrafted jewelry made by artisans in Uganda. Artisans benefit from stable employment as well as classes in English, business, and health. Through Musana’s programs, artisans are able to provide for their families, pay for their childrens’ schooling, and ensure themselves a brighter future.

Mica Gem – A men and women’s fragrance. For every bottle, they will provide a mosquito net to a child in need.

Mata Traders – Fair trade apparel, accessories and home decor made by artisans in India and Nepal.

Mile High Workshop– The Mile High WorkShop is a nonprofit employment and job training program for those facing barriers to work through the manufacturing, production and fulfillment of goods.

Milta Moda – Apparel, rugs, backpacks, bags and other handcrafted goods made in Mexico. Each purchase helps them to further our mission of reinvesting all profits back into the artisan communities in Oaxaca and Chiapas.

Mission Lazarus – Leather goods and coffee made in Honduras. Your purchase funds vocational schools and agriculture programs, provides an education, artisans skill, financial stipend for their work, one nutritious meal a day and healthcare.

Mitscoots – American made socks. Mitscoots employs the homeless to help them get back on their feet. Plus, for every sock purchased, another is donated to someone in need.

Naja – Meticulously crafted and fairly priced lingerie. Through their partnership with the Golondrinas Foundation and our Underwear for Hope program, Naja helps educate single mothers so that they can learn marketable skills. They then employ them so that they can help themselves and their children.

Noonday Collection – Jewelry and accessories handcrafted by artisans around the world who receive a fair wage. Noonday offers no interest loans, scholarship programs, emergency assistance and long term trade.

Knotty Gal– Handmade knotted jewelry to raise money for the Bhandari Girls’ School in Bogra, Bangladesh.

Nena and Co. – Accessories and bags made in Guatemala by artisans who receive fair wages.

One Loom Designs – Handwoven guitar straps, headbands and keychains made in Guatemala.

Oliberte – The world’s first fair trade certified shoe brand. The sustainable shoes are handmade in Sub-Saharan Africa. 1% of proceeds also go towards non-profits dedicated to sustainability and the environment. Buy on Amazon

ONE – Apparel, bags and accessories. An international campaigning and advocacy organization focusing to end extreme poverty and preventable diseases. ONE’s products are from companies that are engaged in lawful, humane and ethical manufacturing. A portion of proceeds go to the ONE campaign or other social good companies.

One World Futbol – An ultra-durable soccer ball that never goes flat. For every ball you buy, a second is donated to organizations working with youth in disadvantaged communities worldwide.

One Hope Coffee – With every freshly ground coffee purchase, half of the proceeds go directly to making an impact on a monthly cause.

One Hope Wine – With every wine purchased, up to half of the proceeds go to their partner charities fighting childhood hunger, diseases, and other causes.

Pacha Soap – Sustainable soaps. With every bar purchased they donate one to someone in need. They have also started their first soap making factory in Burundi which employs local people and uses local ingredients.

Parker Clay– Parker Clay was born as a luxury lifestyle brand that hand selects the highest quality leather to make timeless products by way of age-old traditional craftsmanship – all while creating opportunities for vulnerable women to become economically independent.

Purpose Jewelry – Purpose jewelry is handcrafted by survivors of modern-day slavery. 100% of the proceeds benefit International Sanctuary, a non profit that provides holistic care for young women rescued from sex trafficking. (20% off your first order! Expires Dec 18th)

Patagonia – Apparel, shoes and bags. Patagonia engages in a range of due diligence activities to promote fair labor practices and ensure good working conditions in their factories. The products are made from high-quality materials while focusing on reducing their environmental and social impact. Buy on Amazon

Pitaya Plus – These yummy smoothie packs include the Pitaya aka Dragon Fruit that is commonly found in Nicaragua and other countries. Pitaya Plus hires single mothers to process the fruit, paying them above minimum wage, with the notion that supporting mothers is one of the most effective ways to have a direct, positive impact on a community.

Pura Vida Bracelets – Bracelets made by artisans in Costa Rica. In addition to full time jobs with fair wages, Pura Vida donates hundreds of thousands of dollars yearly to partner organizations and is a member of 1% for the Planet.

Purse & Clutch – Handbags and clutches all under $100. A Fair Trade Handbag Boutique that partners with artisans around the world who create their products with an emphasis on craft & quality. These artisans are treated with respect and are paid a living wage for their region.

Pal Socks– Pals Socks works with different organizations who have similar goals of making our daily existence happier, kinder and more peaceful.

Passion Lilie – A fair trade clothing and accessory line made in India by artisans who receive a fair wage, training, education and medical assistance.

Punjammies – Handmade pajamas and clothing made by women artisans in India by creating jobs and employing women.

Project 615– Project 615 started as a fundraising and awareness effort for the homeless. They knew from the very beginning they wanted to create t-shirts and apparel to help change the world and give second chances. Since then, Project 615 has donated over $450,000 to world changing causes and employed over 50 people recovering from homelessness and addiction.

Project Lia – Dedicated to repurposing discarded material into one-of-a-kind home and office furnishings as part of a job training program for formerly incarcerated women.

Prosperity Candle – Every candle purchased helps provide a living wage for the women artisans who have recently resettled from refugee camps and are working to build a brighter future for themselves and their families in the United States.

Raven & Lily – Jewelry, apparel and accessories made by artisans in India, Ethiopia, Kenya, Cambodia, Pakistan, and the USA at fair trade wages to give them access to a safe job, sustainable income, health care and education.

Rebel Nell– Rebel Nell began in 2013 with the mission to employ women facing barriers to employment in Detroit, educate them on financial management, life wellness and entrepreneurship, and empower them to transition to a life of independence.

Red Earth Trading Co. – Jewelry handcrafted by artisans around the world receiving a fair wage and interest free loans.

RefuSHE – RefuSHE specializes in identifying and protecting unaccompanied and separated refugee children and youth, especially girls, young women, and their children living in Kenya. Our shelter, education, and community outreach services, coupled with local resources and the refugee community, empower this population to live healthy lives.

Rising Tide Fair Trade – Bags, clutches and totes handcrafted in India who earn a fair wage and can work from home. A percentage of profits are donated to philanthropic programs that educate and equip under served young women with the skills needed to secure employment or start a business.

The Joyful Project– Ethically sourced products. All clothing made by Freeset is a fair-trade business offering employment to women trapped in Kolkata’s sex trade. We make quality jute bags and organic cotton t-shirts, but our business is freedom! We would like to see the 10,000 sex workers in our neighborhood empowered with the choice of leaving a profession they never chose in the first place

Runjanji – Athletic running apparel. A portion of proceeds funds organizations that are alleviating the worst problems related to water.

Sage Harvest Gourmet Jerky: Gourmet Jerky (MSG and Nitrate free) started by a military family who added to their family x4 through adoption! Each month, 10% of profits are donated to adoptive families and orphan care.

SAYA Designs– Handcrafted hair stick, hair slides and hair forks created from roots salvaged from old plantations. For each one purchased we will plant up to 10 endangered trees.

Solo Hope – Jewelry and bags handcrafted of pine straw and thread in rural Honduras. Besides a fair, steady income, ten percent of all sales goes into an education fund for students in Honduras.

Sheva – A feminine hygiene online store. And, every time you receive your SHEVA box, we donate a box filled with sanitary pads to a girl in need through our partnered NGOs.

Slate + Salt– Our mission is to bring you a curated collection of luxe, one of a kind pieces while preserving traditional techniques and supporting the Fair Trade movement. We work closely with small social enterprises to facilitate dignified working opportunities in areas of extreme poverty. We encourage you to explore other cultures and traditions in a socially conscious way.

SmartyPants Vitamins – These adult and child gummy vitamins are non-gmo, eco-friendly, made in the USA, no artificial sweeteners, colors flavors or preservatives, no HFCS, gluten, tree nuts, peanuts or dairy. They are a 1:1 company who for every bottle purchased, Smarty Pants donates a nutrient grant to Vitamin Angels to help children in need get the necessary nutrients. Buy on Amazon

Solve Sunglasses – With every pair of sunglasses you purchase, SOLVE will give someone in need clean water for life through Water Missions International.

Sseko Designs – Footwear, Accessories and leather bags. Sseko Designs provides employment during the 9 month gap between high school and university where high potential young women are able to earn and save enough money to pay for college tuition.

Starfish Project – A socially responsible jewelry business in order to provide women with alternative employment and a range of holistic care services. Starfish Project provides opportunities for women to heal and grow through counseling, vocational training, language acquisition, family education grants and health care access, as well as providing housing in our women’s shelter.

SutiSana – Bags and purses made with the purpose of providing dignified employment and a new life for women attempting to leave prostitution in El Alto, Bolivia.

Shawl Wallah – Ethically produced Pashmina products from artisans in Kashmir. With each shawl purchased, 20% is being reinvested to nonprofits that work in Kashmir.

Sole Rebels – Shoes and sandals handcrafted by artisans in Ethiopia, started by an Ethiopian woman to bring job opportunities in the nation with cool footwear.

SOL Organics: Sheets, duvets and bedding sets. With every bedsheet you purchase, SOL Organics donates $7.50 to a charity in need. They are comitted to Fairness; Sustainability; Transparency; Equality; Responsibility.

Sevenly – A clothing and accessory line designed for specific charities. Sevenly exists to bring funding and awareness to the world’s greatest causes. Every item purchased on Sevenly.org gives $7 to the designated charity.

Sackcloth & Ashes – High quality blankets. For every blanket purchased, they will donate one to your local homeless shelter.

Soapbox Soaps – Soapbox soaps donates one bar of soap, fresh water or vitamin supplements to a child in need for every bar purchased. Buy on Amazon.

STATE Bags – A collection of backpacks For every STATE bag purchased, STATE hand-delivers a backpack – packed with essential tools for success – to an American child in need.

Stela 9– committed to starting a brand with a few artisans I had met over that time. Stela 9 was officially established in 2010. With a background in Anthropology, it was a natural transition to focus on cultural preservation through creating modern, wearable handbags and clothing.

Tenfed– Tenfed is a clothing company based in Toronto that offers unique yet meaningful, everyday apparel. Tenfed launched in August 2015 with a mission to help feed as many hungry children as possible. For every Tenfed item that is sold, TEN meals are provided to feed hungry children around the globe.

Ten Thousand Villages: Ethically sourced handmade artisan gifts such as bath and body, home decor, candles, baskets and storage and much more.

Trades of Hope – Jewelry and accessories handmade by artisans in the USA and around the world.

Tree Tribe– Tree Tribe is an outdoor lifestyle brand that plants 10 trees on every sale.

TIM Watch – Customizable watches. When you purchase a TIM watch, a micro-fund is immediately given to a person in need, helping them to get out of poverty. You can follow your TIM watch’s journey by registering your watch on the TIM app. You can track the progress of your TIM and see which countries your TIM’s funds are currently giving in, how many people you have helped, and you can learn about the actual people whose lives are being changed because of your TIM.

The Brave Collection – Jewelry handmade in Cambodia where artisans work in a fair and free work environment, paid above average work wages and receive other benefits such as healthcare and stipends for their children’s education.

The Shine Project – Jewelry handmade by inner city youth helping them pay for college.

Tukula – An accessories line based in Jinja, Uganda who hire young women who are trained as seamstresses but aren’t able to find consistent work. Along with a fair wage these women receive medical care, an encouraging work environment, and access to savings programs.

Toad & Co– Since 1997, Toad&Co has been committed to closing this gap by offering employment and travel opportunities for people with disabilities. A portion of every Toad&Co purchase directly supports this social mission.

Torrain – Handmade bags from recycled materials by artisans in Cambodia. Torrain saves energy and reduces the amount of pollutants in the environment by using natural and recycled fabrics. Packaging materials, stationary and hangtags are also 100% recycled and printed with natural dyes.

Toms – Shoes, Coffee and Eyewear. With every shoe purchased, Toms will donate shoes to a person in need. For every bag of coffee, TOMS will provide a week of clean water to a person in need and for every pair of eyewear purchased help restores the sight of someone in need. Buy on Amazon

The Root Collective – Handmade shoes, accessories and jewelry by artisans in Guatemala who are paid a fair wage. 10% of proceeds are donated back to the non profits who work in the communities in which the artisans live.

Thistle Farms – Bath and body products made with finest ingredients by a community of women in Tennessee who have survived prostitution, trafficking and addiction.

Tribe Alive – Purses and jewelry made by artisans partners all over the world. Artisans are employed at fair trade wages, a safe job, sustainable income and a chance to determine their own future.

Twosome Socks – For every pair of socks purchased, Twosome donates dress socks to companies that treat the individuals in their entirety, making them ready to face and take on everyday life.

The Little Market – A fair trade marketplace who is committed to identifying and partnering with artisan groups with limited access to markets due to their remote locations, their small-scale production, or their lack of technical support.

To The Market – A marketplace of survivor-made goods from around the world. To the Market also offers their local partners trend forecasting and basic mental health resources.

Tegu – Kid’s wooden, magnetic building blocks made in Honduras. Artisans are paid a fair wage and long term career growth is prioritized. For every 1 tree Tegu harvests, they plant 983 more. Buy on Amazon

Unroasted Co. – Organic, fair trade coffee. Unroasted Co. partners with non-profits who are making progress in rescuing women and children from human trafficking and who are working with local governments to end this modern day slavery. UNROASTED CO. gives a portion of every sale to rescue, feed, and educate these exploited humans.

Unlock Hope – A clothing line that benefits young refugee girls in Uganda, many of whom are orphaned. When you buy one of our products you are helping to cover every single expense necessary for supporting these girls in their pursuit of an education. Health care, food, housing, utilities, transportation, support staff, school fees, clothing, uniforms, toiletries, school supplies, books and more are completely paid for – all thanks to you!

Vivid Roots– VIVID ROOTS IS A LIFESTYLE BRAND ON A MISSION TO INSPIRE PEOPLE TO LIVE VIVIDLY AND CREATE A SUSTAINABLE IMPACT IN THE WORLD.

Warby Parker – For every pair of glasses purchased, one pair is given to someone in need.

Wear Figs – For every set of scrubs sold, FIGS gives a set to a healthcare provider in need in impoverished areas where they are poorly compensated for their hard work and dedication. Without the proper medical attire, the spreading of disease and illness increases exponentially.

Yellow Leaf Hammocks – Hand-woven hammocks made by artisans in Thailand who receive a fair wage and a flexible, sustainable and safe job.

Zen Pig Book – A children’s book that teaches the secret to resilient happiness – gratitude, compassion, and mindfulness – in easy to understand language brought to life with beautiful, minimalist art. Every copy sold provides 10 people with access to clean water for 1 year!

2 Degrees Food – Gluten free and vegan snack bars. For every 2 Degrees bar you buy, they feed a hungry child through their network of non-profit partners in developing countries as well as locally. Buy on Amazon

31 Bits – Handcrafted jewelry made by artisans in Uganda. 31 bits implemented a five-year holistic development program in Uganda, where each woman receives health education, finance training, counseling, and business training. She belongs to a community where she can earn an income, be educated, and dream for her future. After five years in the program, the women graduate, leaving with an education, a career, social equity, confidence, and a voice.

1 Face – Touchscreen watches. 1Face supports nine causes; cancer, hunger, breast cancer, clean water, disaster relief, environment, AIDS, education, and animal rights, and have partnered with different charities to bring global change. Each cause has a specific metric that tells you exactly what your purchase does. From building wells to providing a year of education, 1Face is committed to bringing about change, worldwide.

(RED) products – (RED) partners with iconic brands to bring you HIV and AIDS fighting products by donating 50% of proceeds from the sales.

I had the privilege of attending ONE‘s Aya Summit in Washington DC centered around their newest program for Girls and Women in developing countries. The word AYA comes from a symbol that means “the fern” and it is a great West African symbol of resourcefulness and endurance. Interestingly enough, this symbol is from the Ashanti people of Ghana and it was actually the people of Ghana that led me to advocate for the women and children of Africa in the first place.

This one symbol was a great reminder of everything coming full circle on why I was at the AYA Summit and why I am choosing to use my voice and my blog to advocate.

If you didn’t know already, two of my children are from Ghana. They were adopted and came home on Christmas Eve of last year. Taking up this mission of advocating for the women and children in developing countries feels like my duty.

Getting to hear stories first-hand during my time in Ghana, I realized that the root issue of why children end up in orphanages is poverty. Whether that is parents dying early because of lack of healthcare, mothers feeling desperate with nowhere else to turn or the stigmas that children with mental and physical disabilities face in their communities because of the lack of education surrounding these issues. Because of my connection to adoption it gives me all the more reason to fight against the root issue: poverty.

The AYA Summit drained me emotionally, but also stirred something in me to stop just thinking about doing things, but to actually do them. That’s why going forward you will see a great emphasis on social good on this blog rather than just a few posts here and there. What does social good have to do with a site called “Busy Mommy,” you ask?I feel, as moms, there is even more reason to weave social good throughout all aspects of our lives because we are raising the next generation.

At the summit we discussed everything from child sex trafficking to Ebola and I left with an immense amount of information that I am still trying to process so that I can eloquently share on this blog and provide the most impact.

For you, as a blog reader and social media user, I condensed the summit into three things you can do right now to join in this fight against poverty and use your voice to make change and empower women and girls around the world.

1. Help replenish GAVI.

Since the year 2000 GAVI has saved more than 6 million lives by providing life-saving vaccines, but there are still 1.5 million kids who die around the world from vaccine-preventable deaths. Simply send out this tweet to the White House.

Thousands of men, women and children are dying and more countries and individuals need to step up to put an end to Ebola. Don’t Let Ebola Dehumanize Africa. You can donate to these organizations that are working tirelessly against Ebola.

When you see a need, it is important to act on it. That need may be in your own community or it may be an issue that your fellow brothers and sisters around the world are facing. You have the ability to use your voice to make change. You can start with the three points above!

Ever since I spent time in Ghana and tried the fresh coconuts from the street vendors on a hot, sweaty day, I have turned to coconut water for hydration. There’s just something about coconut water that re-energizes your body. Coconut water is low in calories, but full of health benefits like natural electrolytes, potassium and Vitamin C.

My boys are pretty sports-obsessed and right now they are in the middle of baseball season. I’ve been a little weary of buying those sports drinks because of the ingredients, so they have been drinking Vita Coco Kids. There are no artificial colors, sweeteners, flavors or preservatives in these on-the-go drinks and the natural electrolytes provide the perfect alternative to sports drinks and juice boxes.

Vita Coco Kids was even hand-picked by Target as one of their “Made to Matter,” products. The Made to Matter program is a collection that brings together 16 leading natural, organic and sustainable brands to introduce families to new products and make them more accessible.

Besides the Vita Coco Kids being a great on-the-go drink for sports or in lunch boxes, they are naturally a great addition to smoothies. Here is one of our favorite after-school snacks!

Blend together and enjoy! There is so much healthiness packed into this after school or sports game snack!

Do you want to win with Vita Coco Kids? Follow Vita Coco Kids on Facebook and Instagram and enter the #HydrationEducation social media photo contest for a chance to win a $50 gift card that will help moms stock up on Vita Coco Kids for back to school! (More info here). A monthly winner will be selected during the months of August and September. Also be sure to check out the Vita Coco Kids Family Hits radio station available in August and September!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Viva Coco Kids via Burst Media. The opinions and text are all mine.

Today I packed my three kids up in the car and headed to Walmart. It’s always a big chore to take them all to the store (you guys probably know all too well how that goes!), but we had to pick up a few things, including lotion and body wash. Manny and Priscilla call lotion “pomage.” I don’t know if that is a Ghana thing or if the kids made up a new word from pomade, but it is officially pomage in this house and it is a necessity.

I always try to sign up for loyalty and rewards cards for places that I shop at regularly because they don’t cost me anything and I can earn coupons and other rewards for not doing anything differently.

Now with five people in our family, we go through a ton of lotion, body wash, and other personal care products which can get expensive every month. I recently signed up for Suave Family Perks, which you earn points for every Suave product you buy at Walmart. When you earn enough points, you can redeem them for a $5 Walmart gift card. By snapping a photo of my receipt today, I earned points for the lotion and body wash I already buy.

Not only can you sign up for Suave Family Perks today (It’s free!) to start earning your rewards, but I am hosting a giveaway for (4) $25 Walmart gift cards. Four of you will win Walmart gift cards! You could then head on over to Walmart to buy Suave products with your prize to earn more gift cards! Enter the giveaway below and good luck!

JOLLY TIME Pop Corn is celebrating 100 years! In honor of their birthday, JOLLY TIME Pop Corn is celebrating with Kernels of Kindness™. What better way to celebrate then by giving back? One hundred $1,000 grants will be awarded to people and organizations around the country who bring joy, happiness and kindness to their communities. If you didn’t know the definition of the word Jolly, here it is:

So I can think of no better way to celebrate a company that radiates joy not only in their name, but what they have become for many families: a happy and joyful time spent together.

Our family is a great example with our 12 1/2 lb. container of Jolly Time Pop Corn (and we go through several of these a year)! My kids literally (and I mean literally) jump for joy when we have popcorn.

On behalf of JOLLY TIME Pop Corn, head on over to Kernels of Kindness™ and nominate someone who is also bringing joy and happiness in their own community. They could be one of the one hundred people receiving grants for their good deeds or charitable work.

I will be nominating my sister, Meagan, who currently runs The Grace House. The Grace House is a home for pregnant girls and young moms who lived in the Ghanaian markets. Her hope is to give them the tools to care for their young family by themselves. Meagan has lived in Ghana for almost two years now and brings joy wherever she goes. She truly loves Ghana and the people and I admire the selfless acts she does everyday.

You also get the chance to win $50 of JOLLY TIME Pop Corn goodies and a $100 Amazon gift card. I’m sure that will bring you a little joy and happiness :) Enter below in the Rafflecopter form.a Rafflecopter giveaway

I was given a gift card in exchange for this post by Momdot Media, but I love to talk about companies that give back to their communities in my “do good” section.

Meet the Author

Emily is a busy mom of five kids, four of whom came to the family through international adoption. She is a big believer that you can live with purpose in every busy day. Join us in the journey to live purposeful, intentional lives in the midst of all the craziness.

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